If you’re relocating abroad, it’s not practical (or financially possible) to bring all your possessions. Making out what to leave and what to pack is a long and difficult process without drafting a moving abroad packing checklist.
And if you bring too much without doing research, you’ll waste money shipping things you can’t use, don’t have room for, or could have cheaply replaced in your new home.
But here’s the thing: international moves are costly. Shipping by air is expensive, and sea shipments can take months to reach your new place.
Rather than pay a huge lot of money to ship your luggage overseas, downsizing before moving abroad is an option. This is because downsizing allows you to bring everything you need on the plane. It will only cost a little amount in excess baggage fees and save time on customs paperwork as well.
Are you looking for some smart packing tips for moving? Here goes…
• BAG THE NECESSITIES LAST
This might seem striking, but if you’re someone who is easily stressed about packing, it can be easy to forget: the things you need most should be packed last. This means you’ll still have access to them before you move. When you arrive, they’ll be easy for you to find.
• SPREAD THE WEIGHT, WITH THE HEAVIER ITEMS AT THE BOTTOM
When you’re packing boxes to go, you don’t have to pack them one at a time. You can start filling a few, putting heavier items at the bottom but leaving space at the top for lighter things.
Remember that someone still has to pick up the box – whether it’s you or a mover. Most moving companies also have weight limits for boxes, so make sure you know what they are. The limits are not just in consideration for the people packing. An overfilled box risks breaking, and the last thing you want is your belongings spilling out everywhere on your way.
• ORGANIZE AND TAG
Knowing what you’ve put and where makes life so much easier. Label your boxes. Packing like items can be beneficial. Some people like to pack by room, but this doesn’t always work, depending on the kinds of items and their weight and size.
Work out a good system for you that balances all the practical considerations, but keep a tab on what you’ve put and where so you can find it quickly. It also means you’ll know what you’ve already packed, just in case you need to find it again or aren’t sure if it’s in a box yet. As earlier mentioned, draft a list. This leads us to the next tip.
• YOU MUST HAVE A MOVING CHECKLIST
Planning makes a big difference. Work out what you need to take, want to take, and when you need to start packing. After all, packing’s just one part of moving overseas, so plan broadly.
• ENCLOSE DELICATE ITEMS IN YOUR CLOTHES
This is one of my favorite packing tips. Your clothes, pillowcases, or other material items can be a great substitute for bubble wrap and scrunched-up newspapers. Save space and weight by using things you’re already taking with you as packing material for more fragile objects.
• ROLL YOUR CLOTHES
The most creative way to pack clothes for moving is to roll them. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than when they’re folded. They’re also less likely to have wrinkles and creases. If you’re packing your clothes in a box for shipping, they could be there a while, so everything you can do to keep them smooth is a bonus!
• DON’T TAKE TOO MUCH
Even if you’re moving permanently overseas, you won’t need to take everything you own with you. You can buy things like household items, furniture, clothes, and entertainment in most countries. Bulkier items take up important packing space, as well as your precious time. Being ruthless and practical is helpful.
At the same time, there will be some favorite items you just don’t want to part with. That’s where prioritizing is priceless. Work out what’s most important to you.
• FILL ALL UNOCCUPIED SPACES
Packing shoes? Containers? Baskets? Maximize your space by using all of it and filling those otherwise empty gaps. Putting things in your shoes is a great packing hack for your carry-on luggage as well.
If you have fragile items (like a bottle of cologne) tucking these inside a pair of shoes can be a great way to prevent them from getting broken.
• YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
If you’re moving overseas, there may be some things you can’t take with you to your new country, or that you need special permission to import. There are also regulations and limits on some items, including electronics. Most everyday items will be fine but it’s still a good idea to check this out in advance, just in case.
• USE YOUR CARRY-ON ALLOWANCE
You have a luggage allowance when you travel, so make sure you use it! True, you don’t want to stress yourself on your journey, but you can still be strategic about what you take on board the plane (or bus, or train), including the clothes you will wear. For instance, wearing your heavier clothes will save space in both your carry-on and what you pack to ship over.
• YOU NEED TO FIND A GOOD STORAGE ALTERNATIVE
There are likely to be some things you don’t want to take with you but may not want to get rid of. Maybe you want to check out your new home before you ship everything over. Or perhaps you want to try out your new location before committing longer term.
Whether you’re paying for storage space or making use of family or friends’ houses, make sure everything you put in storage is packed well and labeled clearly. Storage space should be dry, have humidity control, and be secure. If you want friends or family to post things over once you’ve arrived, have these easy to access and leave instructions before you go.
• CONSIDER A RELOCATION CONSULTANT
Finally, you can consult a relocation expert. But if it is a small move, you can probably manage things yourself, though it’s still going to have stressful moments.
For bigger moves, when you might have to arrange for several boxes of belongings to be packed and delivered, it’s worth considering a shipping relocation consultant. They’re experts and can help you choose the best relocation package for you, as well as give you extra packing and moving tips.
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